In the news today - reports that the pretty firework-like aerial bombardments we've been watching, the ones where all the sparkly bits spread out over a large area, may in fact be weapons utilizing white phosphorus.
From the London Times:
When The Times reported on Monday that the Israeli troops appeared to be firing WP shells to create a thick smoke camouflage for units advancing into Gaza, an IDF spokesman denied the use of phosphorus and said that Israel was using only the weapons that were allowed under international law.
White phosphorus is particularly nasty stuff. From Wikipedia:
Effects of exposure to WP weapons
Incandescent particles of WP cast off by a WP weapon's initial explosion can produce extensive, deep (second and third degree), burns. Phosphorus burns carry a greater risk of mortality than other forms of burns due to the absorption of phosphorus into the body through the burned area, resulting in liver, heart and kidney damage, and in some cases multi-organ failure. These weapons are particularly dangerous to exposed people because white phosphorus continues to burn unless deprived of oxygen or until it is completely consumed. In some cases, burns are limited to areas of exposed skin because the smaller WP particles do not burn completely through personal clothing before being consumed. According to GlobalSecurity.org, quoted by The Guardian, "White phosphorus results in painful chemical burn injuries"
More from the Times:
The Times has identified stockpiles of white phosphorus (WP) shells from high-resolution images taken of Israel Defence Forces (IDF) artillery units on the Israeli-Gaza border this week. The pale blue 155mm rounds are clearly marked with the designation M825A1, an American-made WP munition. The shell is an improved version with a more limited dispersion of the phosphorus, which ignites on contact with oxygen, and is being used by the Israeli gunners to create a smoke screen on the ground.
Here's that CNN Video
The lead in this video? Israel basically admits that rockets were not necessarily fired from within the school, but simply in the "vicinity". As in, next to. So they surgically struck and killed dozens of people, wounding scores more. Stay classy, Israel.
I heard reports today that the supposed 3-hour cease-fire declared today in order to establish a 'Humanitarian Corridor' into Gaza failed after only 15 minutes - other sources have not confirmed this. Still, in the video the Israeli representative says that, while Israel might agree to such daily cease-fires for humanitarian aid, they will not fail to defend their troops - in other words, if terrorists fire rockets during the cease-fire, then Israel will stop ceasing to fire.
I wouldn't have a problem with this except that the Israeli rep claims Israel is willing to undertake a UNILATERAL cease-fire. That means one-sided. In other words, Israel will stop firing. But what's the point of a one-sided cease-fire if that side acknowledges it will resume attacks if fired upon?